§ Mr. HarveyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions (1) what conditions his Department places upon the breeding and keeping of hybrid wolf dogs; [11095]
(2) what regulations are in place to monitor the selling of hybrid wolf dogs; [11099]
(3) what assessment he has made of the impact on public safety of the keeping of hybrid wolf dogs in residential areas; [11100]
(4) what studies his Department has (a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into the breeding of hybrid wolf dogs. [11101]
§ Angela EagleThe keeping of wolf hybrids is controlled under the Dangerous Wild Animals Act 1976. Under the Act, a licence is required to keep such animals. The issuing of licences and the day-to-day administration of the Act are the responsibility of the relevant local authority.
A licence can be issued only if a local authority is satisfied that it would not be against the public interest on grounds of safety or nuisance; that the applicant is a suitable person to hold a licence; that the proposed accommodation ensures that the animal will not escape, and is suitable from an animal welfare point of view. In issuing licences, local authorities may require restrictions 408W on the movement of the animal from the premises specified in the licence, and impose any other condition which they consider appropriate.
The 1976 Act contains no provisions relating to the breeding or sale of wolf hybrids, and the Department has not undertaken any studies into their breeding. However, in replying to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Don Valley (Caroline Flint) on 9 July 1997, Official Report, column 496, I indicated that the Department will be considering whether further guidance under the Act is required.